STEP 2 - PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL

Before you can come to the United States as an international student, you MUST obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. Make sure to thoroughly review our Applying for a Visa page for detailed instructions and tips on how to obtain a visa.

SCHEDULING YOUR VISA INTERVIEW

After receiving your I-20/DS-2019 document, complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. You will need your SEVIS ID (number starting with “N” located at the top of your I-20/DS-2019) to complete this. In addition, J-1 students will need to provide UCSD’s J-1 Program Number. This number is: P-1-02849.

When asked for UC San Diego’s contact information for the DS-160, you may put down the following:

• Contact name: Name of the advisor listed on your I-20/DS-2019 document
• Contact phone: 858-534-3730
• Contact email: istudents@ucsd.edu

For on campus housing options, please see Summer Session's housing resource page.

Pre-Arrival Webinars will be presented by the UC San Diego International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) and will cover the following topics for newly admitted international students: International Center programs and services, review of immigration documentation, arriving in the U.S., housing and health insurance, campus resources, and frequently asked questions. 

Please see our Webinars page for information on our pre-arrival webinars. 

EVERFI Online Training

EVERFI Training is an online program that introduces incoming you to our student community and your role in maintaining a welcoming campus environment. You will not be able to complete registration for courses until this requirement is met. For more information, including the deadline for completion, see the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination (OPHD) website.

Academic Integrity Tutorial

Complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial

For questions about the tutorial contact Contact Academic Integrity Office by phone (858) 822-2163 or email aio@ucsd.edu.

New International Summer Session Visiting Student Orientation 

 The UC San Diego International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) is excited to meet you! The Summer Session Visiting International Students Orientation is your chance to learn about our office ISPO, UC San Diego and how to maintain your visa status while attending classes this summer!

There will be two International Summer Session Visiting Student Orientations for each session term. More details to come for these orientations. 

Ensure that you understand your Earliest Date of Arrival into the United States and that you have your document in-hand and ready to present when entering the U.S. DO NOT pack these documents inside of your check-in luggage. They should be easily accessible in your carry-on bag ready to present at the port of entry: 

• Original and Valid Passport: Review your passport and ensure that it is valid for at least 6 months after your date of intended entry into the U.S. Review your passport and visa page. Your first name and family/last name should be the same on both documents. If there are any errors, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consular Post immediately. 
• Valid F-1 or J-1 Visa: Your F-1 or J-1 Visa page is inside of your passport. Ensure your visa is valid. Sometimes students who have two passports may need to cary both if their valid F-1 or J-1 Visa page is inside of their expired passport. Review your passport and visa page. Your first name and family/last name should be the same on both documents. If there are any errors, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consular Post immediately. 
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from UC San Diego: Ensure you use the most recent Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued to you by UC San Diego. You may only use an ORIGINAL Form I-20/DS-2019 from UC San Diego with a valid travel signature; photocopies of Form I-20 or DS-2019s will not be accepted. 
• Financial Statements and Supporting Documents: It is always a good idea to carry Financial Statements showing proof of financial support in addition to any supporting documents regarding your reason for visiting the United States.

Learn more about what to expect when travelling by visiting iTravel.ucsd.edu 

All international students are required to enroll full-time for each summer session they will be attending at UC San Diego. This is typically Session One and or Session Two. Full-Time Enrollment is considered 6 units or more each summer session. Ensure that by the end of the add/drop deadline for each summer session, you are enrolled in a minimum of 6 units! See Summer Session page for details of Add/Drop Deadline and enrollment calendar.

Understand the Summer Session Enrollment Process through WebReg! 

It is important to note that students who are unable to take 6 or more units due to medical, academic, or other reasons should speak to an international student advisor BEFORE dropping below 6 units to avoid any problems with their immigration status.